During a recent episode of his Fox News program, Howard Kurtz hosted journalist Caroline Downey to discuss abortion laws in the wake of a recent Arizona Supreme Court decision upholding a 1864 law banning abortion. This decision has caused concern among some Republicans, who fear that their stance on abortion rights may have negative repercussions in the upcoming 2024 elections. Former President Donald Trump, the GOP’s presumptive nominee for 2024, has stated that he is not in favor of a nationwide abortion ban. Downey claimed that Democrats support abortion up until the moment of birth and are on the verge of supporting infanticide, which Kurtz corrected, stating that nobody is killing babies that have already been born.
Kurtz has made similar corrections in the past, notably after an interview with Trump where he made the claim that Democrats support killing infants after they are born, referencing comments made by former Democratic Governor Ralph Northam. Kurtz clarified that late-term abortions are extremely rare and typically only done in cases of severe health defects detected in the third trimester. He noted that Northam had later clarified his remarks, stating that he was not talking about killing babies, but rather addressing rare and tragic cases. A CDC survey found that fewer than 1 percent of all abortions take place at or after seven months of pregnancy.
The false narrative of Democrats supporting infanticide has been a common Republican talking point, but Kurtz has consistently pushed back against this claim and provided factual information to correct the record. This misinformation has been used to paint Democrats as extreme on the issue of abortion, which has been a contentious topic in recent years, particularly following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. The Arizona Supreme Court decision and Trump’s stance on abortion have added to the ongoing debate within the Republican party about how to navigate the issue in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
The debate over abortion rights is likely to be a key issue in the upcoming 2024 elections, with Republicans and Democrats holding vastly different views on the topic. The misinformation spread about Democrats supporting infanticide is a tactic used to rally support among conservative voters and paint Democrats in a negative light. Kurtz’s corrections on this issue are important in setting the record straight and providing viewers with accurate information about abortion laws and late-term abortions. It is crucial for the media to fact-check and challenge false narratives in order to provide a more informed and balanced perspective on this contentious issue.
In conclusion, Howard Kurtz’s corrections on false claims about Democrats supporting infanticide in relation to abortion have been a consistent effort to provide accurate information and debunk misinformation. The issue of abortion rights is likely to remain a contentious topic in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, and it is important for media outlets to provide accurate and balanced coverage on this issue. By challenging false narratives and providing factual information, Kurtz is contributing to a more informed public discourse on abortion laws and late-term abortions, helping viewers to better understand the complexities of this issue.
